Herbs and Spices that are Good for Dogs
Herbs and spices are what make food a meal. What person doesn’t love a well-seasoned dish? It turns out that dogs love it too! Many pet owners are surprised to learn that their favorite herbs and spices can actually have health benefits for their dogs. Some are toxic to dogs, but here are some safe herbs you can sprinkle over your dog’s next raw meal for some added flavor and nutrients!
Oregano
Oregano is most commonly associated with pizza and pasta, but this herb is high in antioxidants and flavonoids. This non-toxic herb has been used to help with digestive issues in humans and dogs, helping reduce diarrhea and gas.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a great herb to introduce to your pup. It’s high in iron, calcium, and vitamin B6. It’s also been shown to act as an antioxidant, reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. Rosemary is also a natural flea repellant!
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used throughout history to help soothe upset stomachs, reduce gas, reduce nausea, and help with motion sickness. If your dog has any digestive issues, try introducing some peppermint to their diet to see if it helps.
Parsley
Parsley is often used as a garnish for human meals, but this herb is full of flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins. This spice is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and can product against UTIs and kidney stones. This herb has so many health benefits for dogs, which is why we include it in all of our Just Raw meals!
Basil
Did you know basil is a dog-approved herb? Basil has antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes. Adding some basil to your dog’s diet can also help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis.
Cinnamon
Don’t try to cinnamon challenge with your dog but adding a sprinkle of this spice to your dog’s diets can help them regulate their blood sugar and lower insulin resistance. It is also anti-inflammatory, protects against heart disease, and combats free radicals.
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is another great herb that can help with digestive issues. It’s been known to alleviate nausea, reduce diarrhea, ease gas, and help detoxify the body. Coriander is also rich in vitamin A, C, potassium, zinc, and other essential minerals. Avoid giving cilantro to pregnant animals, though, as it can stimulate contractions.
Ginger
You may be surprised to learn that ginger is safe for dogs to eat in small doses! It contains many antioxidants that ease nausea, boost cognitive function, regulate blood sugar, and reduce gastrointestinal problems. Ginger is also anti-inflammatory and can help dogs with arthritis.
Final Thoughts
As with any new food, you should always introduce herbs and spices to your dog’s diet slowly. Always give small doses as well, as many of these herbs can have side effects if ingested in large quantities. If your dog has any medical or health issues, please check with your vet before adding anything new to your dog’s diet.
Sprinkle these herbs and spices on top of your dog’s raw food for a tasty and healthy treat! Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.